"Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard": A Chaotic Ride of Action and Laughter
Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, the sequel to the 2017 surprise hit The Hitman’s Bodyguard, returns with even more explosions, more absurd situations, and a triple dose of chaotic chemistry. Directed by Patrick Hughes, this 2021 action-comedy reunites Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek for a wild and often ridiculous adventure across Europe. While the film doesn't shy away from over-the-top violence and absurd humor, it leans heavily into its self-awareness, offering audiences a fast-paced, popcorn-worthy spectacle.
The film picks up shortly after the events of the first movie. Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), once a top-tier bodyguard, has been stripped of his license and is trying to find peace in therapy. Unfortunately for him, peace is short-lived. He’s violently dragged back into the world of gunfights and explosions when Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek), the unhinged wife of hitman Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), interrupts his “sabbatical” with urgent news: Darius has been kidnapped, and only Bryce can help rescue him. Reluctantly, Bryce joins forces with Sonia, embarking on a mission that quickly spirals out of control.
The trio is soon entangled in a larger plot involving Aristotle Papadopoulos (Antonio Banderas), a Greek billionaire terrorist who plans to unleash cyber chaos on Europe. Interpol agent Bobby O'Neill (Frank Grillo) recruits the chaotic trio to stop the attack, but working with three unpredictable personalities proves to be as much a threat to public safety as the villain himself.
One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its cast. Reynolds’ neurotic and perpetually exasperated Bryce provides a perfect contrast to Jackson’s carefree, bullet-spraying hitman. Salma Hayek nearly steals the show with her fearless and foul-mouthed performance as Sonia. Her character is loud, violent, unpredictable, and surprisingly emotional, giving the film a surprising amount of heart beneath all the insanity. The dynamic between the three is where much of the film’s humor and energy stem from, and their bickering, bonding, and general mayhem carry the film even through some of its more formulaic moments.
Visually, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard delivers plenty of well-choreographed action sequences, car chases, shootouts, and explosions. The film’s European setting—ranging from Italy to Croatia to Greece—adds scenic backdrops to the otherwise chaotic events. While the plot isn’t particularly deep or innovative, the film never pretends to be anything more than a loud, fast, and funny action romp.
Musically, the soundtrack leans into high-energy beats and over-the-top cues that match the film’s absurd tone. It’s clear the creators knew their audience: fans of the first film who are looking for a louder, wilder continuation will find just that.
In the end, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is pure entertainment—a wild ride filled with nonstop action, sharp banter, and unfiltered chaos. It may not win awards for storytelling or subtlety, but it delivers exactly what it promises: outrageous fun with three stars clearly enjoying every moment. For fans of explosive buddy comedies, it’s a sequel that delivers laughs by the bullet-load.
